St. Mary's Episcopal Church

Stone Harbor, New Jersey


All are welcome. Please join us!

Staying Connected

WELCOME HOME!

Worship with us:

Sunday at 9:00 am in the sanctuary

in person and Live on Facebook


The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 24

NOTICE of Convocation Meeting


DATE - Tuesday, Nov. 21

TIME - 6:00 pm until 8:00 or so

LOCATION - St. Stephen's in Waretown


***Delegates, please inform Mo. Allison if you plan to attend.***

Remember to pledge your support!

Pledge Now!

We are now accepting donations via Venmo!

@StMarysStoneHarbor


http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor

Rector's Corner

In the Quiet of Our Hearts, Let Us Hear the Silent Sobs of the World


Dear Beloved Family in Faith,


As I sit at my desk, pen in hand, and ponder the profoundness of life, I'm reminded that each of us is an unfolding narrative. Every soul is a sacred story, and these stories are penned not by human hands but by the Divine. God, the Great Author, weaves intricate tapestries of life with threads of love, joy, sorrow, and growth—each of us, a unique chapter in a larger celestial volume.


In the soft glow of our sanctuary candles or in the comfort of our homes, let's take a quiet moment to breathe deeply and open our hearts to the world. Like many of you, I have been consumed with the horrific images coming out of the Holy Land. We are all aware of the devastation of this conflict and the horrors of war, and while the Holy Land steals our attention, you may not be aware of the many armed conflicts across the globe. Currently, the Geneva Academy is monitoring at least 110 armed conflicts globally. I ask you to close your eyes for a moment and imagine the faces and hearts behind this staggering number.


In many places, dear ones suffer, not as statistics but as real people—children like our own, mothers and fathers, grandparents, and friends. Basic needs for food, clean water, and shelter are not met, transforming ordinary lives into extraordinary struggles. As we bow our heads in prayer today, remember them—not as faraway souls, but as our brothers and sisters, our children in God.


Our faith enlightens us to the inherent dignity of every human being, reminding us that each life reflects the very image of God. To embrace this truth is to uphold the sanctity of all lives, to recognize that every face we see, whether in our immediate circles or on the distant horizon of the nightly news, bears the imprints of divine love and creative power.


But what happens when conflict rends the fabric of these sacred stories? What happens when discord enters, tearing a page from the holy book that is someone's life? Be it a societal conflict that impacts communities or personal trials that shake individuals to their core—when a life is shattered, it grieves not just us but also the Divine who crafted it.


And yet, amidst the shards of shattered lives, our faith offers a lens of hope. It teaches us that even in the gravest of circumstances, each life remains invaluable. The torn pages can be mended, not perhaps to their original form, but into a new narrative that incorporates both the pain of the tear and the hope of restoration. We are each granted the freedom, and indeed, the obligation, to become co-authors with God in rewriting these stories.


The work of mending begins with each one of us. It starts in our homes, extends to our communities, and radiates outward to the entire world. In our actions, words, and prayers, we must be agents of justice and kindness. When we stand up for the marginalized, offer a listening ear or a helping hand, and act as peacemakers in a world teeming with conflict, we honor not only God's creation but also His intent for a world imbued with fairness and benevolence.


Empathy is like a soft whisper, a murmur that crosses over mountains and oceans into barricaded cities and refugee camps. We're called to feel with others—not just those within our immediate circle, but those far away. When we feel together, our collective hearts lighten the burdens of sorrow and despair. It's as if God’s love multiplies, reaching dark corners we couldn’t even imagine.


Our commitment to viewing every soul as a sacred story obliges us not to turn a blind eye to suffering or injustice. It calls us not merely to say but to demonstrate that Black Lives Matter; not simply to voice, but to manifest our love and support for our LGBTQ+ brothers, sisters, and neighbors; not just to articulate but to show through deeds that every immigrant life is valuable; and not only to speak but to enact our care for the planet we call home. Not only to call out acts of violence, whether physical or by word but to practice living a nonviolent life in word and deed, lifting the light and love of Christ in all people.


Remember, when you extend compassion, justice, and love, you don't just turn the pages of your own sacred story; you become an instrument through which others can rewrite theirs. And in doing so, we collectively craft a world narrative that aligns with God’s vision—one of justice, kindness, and unending love.


As co-authors of this divine narrative, we journey together, side by side, upholding the sanctity of every life and soul—a sacred story.


Let’s come together, holding hands in spirit, for a shared moment of prayer. While prayer heals the soul, let's not forget that faith is most alive when it is expressed through deeds. Whether donating to relief organizations, volunteering time, or simply sharing stories that need to be heard, let our actions echo our prayers.


Let’s take a moment to bow our heads and pray:


“Dearest God, our hearts ache for the suffering in Your world. Let each beat of our hearts send ripples of Your boundless love and mercy to those in dire need. Strengthen us, Lord, to be Your hands and feet on this Earth, guided by empathy, driven by love, and devoted to uplifting the dignity of all Your children. Amen.”


Dear ones, I hold you all in prayer and love. Let us go forward, each in our way, embodying the lessons of empathy and dignity, bringing light to a world that so deeply needs it.


May we each find in our hearts the wellspring of God's love, a love that knows no boundaries and recognizes no divisions, as we seek to bring peace and comfort to all the children of God.



In abiding love and faith,

Mo. Allison+


May the peace of God that surpasses all understanding guide your hearts and minds in the days to come. Amen.

BIBLE STUDY

Have you ever wondered why King David is so highly regarded?

Would you like to know more about him?


Are you interested in his relevance to Jesus and the messianic expectation?


Join Wednesday Bible Study this fall when we spend the year reading 1 & 2 Samuel to learn about this great king of Israel through an interactive discussion led by

Tracy Rubin, Harvard Divinity School, 2012.

(Note: Tracy is a summer member here at St. Mary's and is inviting us to join her and her home parish in this most wonderful learning adventure.)


Classes meet on Wednesday mornings from 10-11:30 and evenings from 7-8:30 September 20, 2023 through May 22, 2024, both in person and online.


Please sign up with Tracy at tgrubin3@gmail.com or 781-431-1672. The Zoom link for the year will be emailed to you.  


The companion text we use is: "The David Story: A Translation with Commentary” by Robert Alter. https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-david-story-robert-alter/1112711930?ean=9780393320770&aug=1

Forward Day by Day

Large and small print copies of Forward Day by Day for November, December and January are available in the church narthex. Please help yourself to a copy and feel free to take one for a friend who may enjoy receiving one.

Forward Day by Day is a booklet of daily inspirational meditations reflecting on a specific Bible passage, chosen from the daily lectionary readings as listed in the Revised Common Lectionary or the Daily Office from the Episcopal Church's Book of Common Prayer.

St. Mary's This 'n That Thrift Shop

Did you know?


Our Thrift Shop continues to be a beacon of mission and ministry out in the community. Each month is dedicated to a community organization..


For the month of October, they are collecting for Catholic Charities. They are in need of food that has a pop top. Donations may be dropped off at the thrift shop any time during the month of October.


Thank you to Debbie, our Staff, and customers for your support, donations and care.

Gold Winner of the 2022 and 2023 Best of the Jersey Shore thrift shops, This 'n That Furniture Shop is a great addition to the home goods, housewares, including small appliances, and clothing shops at This 'n That.


Don't forget the thrift shop when you're fall cleaning and re-organizing. Household items, furniture and clean usable clothing are welcome!


Remember - Upcycling is good for the planet!



Store Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10 am - 4 pm

Donation days: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 am - 3 pm, and on the

1st Saturday of the month 10 - 3 pm.

Location: St. Mary's This 'n That, 1304 Rt. 47 So., Rio Grande, NJ 08242   609-886-7272


You can keep up with special sales and featured furniture by following them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/St-Marys-This-N-That-Thrift-Shop-268676343298636/

SAVOR SEPTEMBER scheduled for this Saturday, October 21st in Stone Harbor has been cancelled due to anticipated inclement weather.

The Branches Food Pantry is serving folks who are food insecure. Many are choosing between food and rent, or medication. We are so grateful to those of you who support our efforts with food donations.


At the present time we are running low on the following: peanut butter, mayo, canned fruit, ketchup, cup of noodles, eggs, bread, milk, hot dogs and diapers size 5, 6 and 7.

If you are coming our way, we would appreciate a donation of any of these items. We cannot do what we do without you. Thank you for supporting our mission at Branches.

Items may be dropped off at The Branches Outreach Center

201 Hirst Ave., Rio Grande, NJ 08242 609-886-5091


Monday – Friday: 8:30am – 1:30pm - Saturday: 10am – 12pm

Sunday: Closed

Stewardship Minute

key_to_success.jpg


To All of our seasonal members and friends


Please consider making a donation or pledge for 2024 before you head home for the season.


Your support of our mission and ministry is important to us.

Some ways to support St. Mary's


  • Become a member
  • Volunteer
  • The Sunday collection plate
  • Send a check payable to St. Mary's to:


St. Mary's Church,

9425 Third Ave., Stone Harbor, NJ 08247

(Your envelope and number is not necessary, only your name.)


  • Setting up a personal online banking "bill pay" option. The bank will mail the check for you to the church office.
  • Online giving through our website at https://www.stmarysstoneharbor.org/
Visit our Website

We have now joined Venmo! If you have Venmo, you can donate to the church - @StMarysStoneHarbor


http://www.venmo.com/u/StMarysStoneHarbor



Happy Birthday to


Dave Kowalski on October 27th!

If you would like to be remembered on your birthday or anniversary, please give us your information so we may add you to our data base. Email the church office: jultaylor9425@gmail.com or call 609-368-5922

Altar Flowers

Dedicating altar flowers in honor or memory of, or in thanksgiving for a loved one is a wonderful way to remember someone. If you would like to do so, please sign up on the chart on the bulletin board in the parish hall. After the service, you may take the flowers to enjoy or give.

Coffee Hour

Coffee Hour is held after service every Sunday in the parish hall. It is an opportunity to get together for relaxed conversation and fellowship over a cup of coffee. If you would like to provide a snack for coffee hour, please pick a Sunday and sign up on the sheet on the door to the kitchen. Nothing elaborate, just a small snack to enjoy with coffee. Thank you!

Women's Civic Club Trip Dec. 6th


The Stone Harbor Civic Club has planned a trip to Sight & Sounds "Miracle of Christmas" in Lancaster on Wednesday, December 6th. Price $185 per person includes transportation and lunch.

Contact Isabella Kelly-Prince 609-374-5054 to sign up and for more information.

Upcoming Events

12 Step Meetings in the Church Hall

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monday at 7:30 pm

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Tuesday at 8:00 pm



Memorial Day through September

Alanon Tuesday at 7:15 pm (beginners meeting in the chapel)

Alanon Tuesday at 8:00 pm (in the chapel)

Alanon Friday morning at 10:00 am

CHECK OUT OUR CALENDAR on our website for all activities taking place throughout the week.

The Twenty-First Sunday after Pentecost: Proper 24

Isaiah 45:1-7

Psalm 96:1-9, (10-13)

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10

Matthew 22:15-22

Worship Services

Tuesday - Friday 8:30 am Morning Prayer via Zoom


Third Thursday's 6:00 pm Healing Service

alternates between St. Mary's and St. Barnabas


Sunday 9:00 AM in person (church)

Services, studies, and service bulletins may be accessed on our website: www.stmarysstoneharbor.org
Facebook